Databases often store sensitive and valuable information, so protecting that data is essential. In IB Computer Science, database security is commonly examined through access control and permissions. Students are expected to understand who can access data, what actions they can perform, and why restricting access matters.
IB examiners reward explanations that link security measures directly to risk reduction and data integrity.
Why Database Security Is Important
Databases may contain:
- Personal information
- Academic records
- Financial data
- Confidential business information
Without proper security:
- Data can be accessed by unauthorised users
- Records can be altered or deleted
- Systems can be compromised
Access control ensures that only authorised users can perform specific actions.
What Is Access Control?
Access control is the process of:
- Defining who can access a database
- Controlling what actions they are allowed to perform
Instead of giving every user full access, databases use roles and permissions to limit access appropriately.
In IB Computer Science, access control is linked to:
- Data protection
- Accountability
- Risk management
Users, Roles, and Permissions
Most databases manage access using:
- Users – individual accounts
- Roles – groups of permissions
- Permissions – allowed actions
Permissions may include:
- Reading data
- Inserting new records
- Updating existing records
- Deleting records
By assigning users to roles, databases can be managed efficiently and securely.
Principle of Least Privilege
A key IB security concept is the principle of least privilege.
This principle states that:
- Users should be given only the access they need
- No more, no less
For example:
- A student may only view their own records
- A teacher may update grades
- An administrator may manage the entire database
Limiting access reduces the impact of mistakes or attacks.
Access Control and Data Integrity
Access control protects data integrity by:
- Preventing unauthorised changes
- Ensuring accountability
- Reducing accidental data loss
If only trusted users can modify data:
- Errors are less likely
- Changes can be tracked
This is especially important in systems such as:
- School databases
- Banking systems
- Medical records
Authentication vs Authorisation
IB students should distinguish between:
- Authentication – verifying who a user is
- Authorisation – determining what the user is allowed to do
Access control focuses mainly on authorisation, but both are required for secure systems.
Database Security in Real-World Systems
Access control is used in:
- School information systems
- Online platforms
- Business databases
Different users see different data depending on their role. This protects privacy and maintains system integrity.
Common Student Mistakes
Students often:
- Confuse access control with encryption
- Ignore role-based permissions
- Forget the principle of least privilege
- Describe security too vaguely
Clear cause-and-effect explanations earn higher marks.
How This Appears in IB Exams
IB exam questions may ask students to:
- Explain access control
- Justify permission restrictions
- Identify security risks
- Apply roles to a scenario
Justification is more important than definitions alone.
Final Thoughts
Access control and permissions are essential for protecting databases from misuse, mistakes, and attacks. By limiting what users can see and do, databases maintain security, accuracy, and trust.
Understanding how access control works allows IB Computer Science students to explain database security clearly and confidently — exactly what examiners expect.
